There's construction going on that we could see and hear. He was showing me.

We did a few inside chores (Stefan's mom helped us get up to date on laundry and unpacked a bit. Franklin helped.)

We also pulled out the ice to pour!

And when it was too cold to go outside (mornings were a bit chilly) we tried to get active inside. Mommy invented a game that involves throwing a soft ball at the stairs. That's it...a ball and the stairs. It was a huge hit.

We also tried to throw it at Mommy and the camera...

I visited the Target Dollar Spot yesterday and got some sensory bin stuff. I've been avoiding it because of the potential for a huge mess...but I'm being brave and jumping in.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

THERE'S A YARD! No, there's no grass yet (which is fine by Franklin as he loves to grab handfuls of dirt pour them on Mommy)

We spent 30mins outside in the warmer weather and sunshine yesterday. And you know what? He took a nap an hour later.

Sad Note: An ant got into his shirt and stung him repeatedly. He has three stings on his shoulder. Poor kid.

He spent most of the time running from the house to the fence...

...and back again.

He'd pretend to go inside and then rush back out.

No, not inside yet.

Every stumble is a chance to pick up rocks!

Like I've said before: My son is spirited. He has a ton of pent-up energy. Living in the apartment I kept noticing that around noon his behavior would go downhill and stay there until Daddy got home. I was disciplining him constantly and not seeing any improvement. So, instead of upping the discipline (like some parenting books will tell you to do) I reevaluated the situation. What did Daddy have that Mommy didn't? Well, Mommy was big and pregnant with horrible back pain and Daddy was getting down on the floor and wrestling or chasing Frankie through the living room...things Mommy wasn't physically able to do. We (Stefan and I) concluded that it was that pent-up energy that was causing the behavior problems. However, there wasn't much we could do in an apartment with nowhere to play outside! This yard is a huge blessing. We did the best we could with the previous small space, but having a big yard to just PLAY in has been amazing.

So, if you're noticing behavior issues in your toddler (especially your toddler BOY) evaluate how much space he has to play. Are you inside a lot? Maybe there's a lot of pent up energy causing the behavior problems. If you can't get outside try a really physical inside activity. Dance like crazy, run around, exercise, etc... I'm willing to bet if you try a different tactic you'll find more success.

Today I'm grateful for my wonderful births! The first was a hospital birth. Granted, it wasn't perfect but it could have been worse. The second was a great homebirth.

Recently I went to a fun get-together where birth stories were shared. There were many happy stories and a few sad/disappointed ones. (They all ended with healthy babies so they're all success stories in my mind) I found myself silently thanking God that my births were good. I could have ended up with a huge tear or an unwanted c-section or my baby sent to NICU or kept from me for some reason. I didn't. My tear with Franklin needed stitches but wasn't horrible and healed fine and I barely tore with Jonathan. The only time Franklin was kept from me was when they did the "newborn assessment" (I was numb from the waist down and couldn't go) and when they circumcised him. Jonathan was never taken from me. I was able to breastfeed both immediately. We had no trouble bonding in either case. There was no birth trauma.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

I've had births in both settings: hospital and home. Granted, I had a great doctor with my first birth so it wasn't traumatic or anything. (I've heard some horror stories from the hospital) Basically, I wanted to make a list of comparisons between the "typical" hospital birth and MY home birth.

Home: My midwife assumed that I am a woman capable of learning, making informed decisions, and taking charge of my health.Hospital: Most doctors don't think this way. I've dealt with a couple that treated me like I have no knowledge and can't make decisions.

Home: Took my time in labor.Hospital: Contractions 3-4mins apart usually means you're dilating 1cm per hour...I wasn't. A lot of doctors will deem you "failure to progress" and give you pitocin OR a c-section.

Home: Labor stalled so we tried new tactics to get it going again.Hospital: Labor stalling is not allowed and will deem you "failure to progress" again.

Home: I could eat and drink as needed.Hospital: No food, IV for fluids, ice chips as needed.

Home: Monitor every so often in active labor. I could be in any position I wanted.Hospital: Constant monitoring kept me flat on my back...the worse position for labor and delivery.

Home: Stefan got to catch his son!Hospital: Doctor catches because no one else is qualified.

Home: Baby had gunk in his throat and funky breathing...but this was easy to fix by the midwives.Hospital: Baby probably would have been rushed to NICU.

Home: Slept in my own bed that night!Hospital: The hospital I birthed in required THE BABY stay for 24 hours (mom could leave). Some require 48 or more. If you try to leave Against Medical Advisement some places will call CPS.

Home: As many/few people present as I chose.Hospital: 2 or fewer visitors (that are 18 or older) and a ton of hospital workers.

I was thinking about this Scripture recently. My thoughts went to the more technical aspect of it...mainly the question of why "east from west?" Why did the writer choose those words specifically?

I wasn't sure so I turned to the person I usually turn to for this kind of question: My husband. He's one of the most brilliant people I know and he usually knows the answer to these things. This time was no different!

He pointed out that when you're walking North eventually you'll hit a pole and start going South. However, if you start walking East you'll always be walking East unless you turn around and start walking West. So, the choice of "east from west" is because they will never meet. There is no "West Pole" or anything. There is no place in the world where they come together.

I like to use little analogies to simplify thoughts. Think about it like this: Think about your sins like a bad TV program. (Bad in the sense of horrible ratings) God canceled it and there are no reruns. As far as He's concerned the show is over forever. However, you have it recorded. Satan comes along and constantly reminds you of the recording and hits play when you least expect it. YOU have the choice to delete it and forget it exists (like God already did). Only you can delete it because you hold the password. So why don't you?

I know I'm horrible about this one! Not only do I allow Satan to come in and push Play, but I grab a bag of popcorn and settle in to watch! I beat myself up about things that have been forgiven (by all parties involved) constantly. So, this Scripture hits home for me and the Challenge I offer is for me as well.

Challenge: Make a conscious effort to tell Satan to BACK OFF the next time he tries to remind you of a sin God forgave.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

All of the previous updates are in italics and the new stuff is in bold.Words he says:
- uh oh
- aww man!
- pe-ew (like something stinks)
- duh (dog)
- book
- booger
- mama
- dada
- good bye (when he thinks no one is listening)
- block (bah)
- milk (muh)
- HI!!!
- monkey (muh nuh)
- ball- blue (boo)- Yellow (yeyo)- Juice (a high pitched: joo)He signs:
- more
- eat/want
- milk
- music
- bath
- shoes
- socks
- water
- go (like go out)
- love
- bed (bedtime) We're still working on this one...
- all done
- apple
- brush teeth
- bread- baby- potty He can identify (when asked):
- yellow
- head
- ears
- belly
- penis (he kept pointing so we told him what it was called)
- fingers/hand
- toes
- nose (sometimes)
- booty (Daddy taught him this one) - blue- red- he can blow a kiss, give a real kiss, and a hug
- he also waves and says "bye bye" and waves hello
- I didn't realize it, but screwing lids on and off is apparently an advanced skill...he's been doing this for months now.
- He can stack 11 blocks high. He can probably stack more but he can't reach and the carpet won't allow for stacking. - If you ask him what a bird says he'll tell you "tee tee tee" (tweet tweet tweet)He also understands "no" and can follow instructions like, "Give your bottle to Daddy" if he asks for milk and Daddy is in the kitchen.
The other day I told him "I'm going to open the stove and it's going to be hot. Can you stand back?" and he walked over to the safe spot I taught him (behind and out of the way) and stood and waited for my okay.-He loves to help out with the baby. He will give nice touches when the baby is crying, help me pat him to burp, and throw away dirty diapers for me.-He's started sleeping in his own bed at night. Granted, he isn't always alone (Daddy sleeps down there when Franklin gets upset) but he does spend a good part of the night in it all by himself.- He loves fruit and veggies and has been eating 30 Days RAW with Daddy (well, 80% of his diet has been raw...he eats cooked food with me on occasion)

Jonathan Update?-He gained a pound in the past week and a half (which meant we didn't have to clip his tongue tie!) -He's awake and alert for longer each day and still sleeping well at night (Praise God for that one!)

Jonathan Boswell Lea Morin: The newest addition! Thank God for a child that actually sleeps. I'd heard stories of babies that slept in 3-4 hour stretches at night, but I'd never had one until now. He's also very content to lay on the couch or in his swing from time to time. This is awesome because I can actually put him down to tend to my spirited son. I always find it amazing how much love you can feel for a person upon just meeting them; actually, before even meeting them. This is such a testament to God. I loved both of my sons before they were born and even more once they got here. God loved us even before that!

Franklin Gaudelio Lea Morin: My spirited toddler! Yes, he tries my patience (actually, that's an understatement most days) but he also never fails to make me smile and laugh. His giggle is infectious. He is adorable, and I swear he knows it! He's also very bright and picks up on things very quickly. (Which plays into his spirited nature...he gets bored quickly!) Again, the experience is another testament to God. Even though we try His patience He manages to love us. (And I'm sure we make him smile and laugh!)

Monday, January 17, 2011

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New Century Version)

You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who is in you. You have received the Holy Spirit from God. So you do not belong to yourselves, because you were bought by God for a price. So honor God with your bodies.

From here on out there will be a chance to participate in I Confess each Monday! Simply write a post confessing something that other parents can relate to and link up here! If you feel led, please include a relevant Bible Verse so we can be encouraged. Be sure and grab the I Confess Button to lead your readers back here!

What is my confession this week? My Diet!

I had planned on making several freezer meals for this month so we would have healthy food to eat...and then the baby came at 37 weeks. So, we ended up with 5 meals. What did I do? I sent my husband to the store with a list of "convenience" foods. (Think microwave burritos, chicken nuggets, etc...) We usually limit our intake of those foods, but these past few weeks I've been too tired to really care.

Don't get me wrong, Jonathan is a good sleeper (what other newborn sleeps in 3-4 hour stretches?) but giving birth takes a lot out of you. Also, just because the baby is sleeping doesn't mean that Mommy is sleeping! I wake up when he makes noise (I'm not used to his noises yet), I wake up to roll over or wiggle around, and I wake up to use the bathroom or get water.

So, my diet this past week was horrible. I'm not drinking enough water, I'm eating the Standard American amount of processed food, and I haven't wanted to cook.

Add in that my husband has started the 30 Days RAW diet (and blogs about it; check it out) and the guilt is starting to set in. (Heck, my SON is eating better than I am. He's eaten mostly fruits and veggies the past few days. He loves the raw food that Stefan brought home, too!)

Recently I had a pastor bring up a Bible verse that I wanted to share. It takes place when Jesus is at the wedding feast. The verse refers to what His mother tells the servants.

John 2:5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you to do."

Now, if you're wondering where I'm going with this I ask you to read it again. I'll wait...

......

Did you catch it? "Do whatever he tells you to do." His mother is talking to the servants, but she's also talking to us. We are called to be servants of Christ: Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will honor anyone who serves me. (words of Christ) John 12:26 (NCV)

Are you doing all that Christ tells you to do?

Challenge: Read through the words of Christ. Search your heart and ask God to reveal to you where you are and aren't serving Christ.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Before I get into what *I* ate for dinner I want to tell you that my husband has bravely started 30 Days RAW again. This time we worked out finances so he can afford to do it the entire 30 days. He's really excited (and I am too...I'm just not going to attempt it this round) Please check out his blog by clicking on this link: http://stefan30days.blogspot.com/2011/01/im-back-baby-second-day-1.html
Be sure and comment as well!!!

Okay, all of the recipes I'll be doing for the next month will be simple things. It's only me and Franklin eating cooked food. Tonight I had chicken quarters (leg and thigh) that needed to be eaten. So, I experimented. I tried an easy "Southwest" Chicken.

Instructions:
- Heat oven to 400F
- Lay chicken in pan
- Cover with other ingredients BUT NOT CHEESE (drain cans before adding)
- Bake, covered, until chicken is cooked through (time depends on your cut of chicken)
- Top with cheese (and optional ingredients if you choose) and serve

Easy!

Excuse the horrible photo...I had a hungry baby screaming for me! You get the idea, though.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Head on over to the Boys In Motion Link Up Where "It’s Friday which means time to share your favorite photograph of your boy (or boys) in motion! Celebrate that non-stop energy – if you can’t beat ‘em, take a picture and enjoy it!"

Franklin LOVES his new brother. He gives kisses and "counts" toes and gives him nice touches when he's crying. SO SWEET! Frankie has been such a good helper.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I started to do this and then got sick...and then moved...and then had a baby. So, 13 days into 2011:

1. Evaluate Your Walk with God in 2010 - Were you daily in God's word and in prayer? How can you improve your walk with God in 2011?
No. (Hey we're being honest) I'm going to participate in more Bible Studies (online when possible) and go to church more often!

2. Your Marriage - What is one word you'd use to describe your marriage in 2010? Easy, frustrating, growing, romantic, hard, strong, amazing. What is one thing you know your husband wishes you'd change in your life?
Forgiveness. No, I won't elaborate. The word I'm choosing for 2011 is Strength. I know my husband wishes I were more patient.

3. Your Children - What was a high point and a low point for each of your children in 2010? What is one thing that each of your children need from you in 2011?

High Point: All of the milestones reached in 2010! Low Point: We've hit a whining phase.

They both need more of my time and attention.

4. Health - What healthy habits did I maintain in 2010? What unhealthy habits did I create in 2010 that I need to change going into 2011?

We've been slowly changing the way we eat. I could use more exercise in my life (like, more than none)

5. Ministry - What ways did I use my talents for God in 2010? Pray about what God would have you do in 2011.

Does blogging count?

Theme word for 2011:Organize. I plan to organize my home (and keep it that way), my schedule (this means sticking to one), and my thoughts.